P&W Sends First Engine Shipment to India

Feb. 4, 2013 - 08:58AM
|

As the largest air show in India gets underway, engine maker Pratt & Whitney has delivered its first batch of C-17 engines to the Indian Air Force.

India signed an agreement for the C-17s in 2011. The first five C-17s will arrive in 2013, with the next five due in 2014.

Each transport plane requires four of the P&W F117 engines, which are utilized on 250 C-17s worldwide, including more than 200 for the U.S. Air Force.

“Pratt & Whitney is delighted to be delivering the first batch of engines that will power the Indian Air Force’s C-17 fleet and we’re pleased to have them join the growing international fleet that flies this premium airlifter,” said Bev Deachin, vice president, Military Programs and Customer Support, Pratt & Whitney.

India’s purchase on the C-17 represents Pratt & Whitney’s first military engine program in India, although spokesman Shawn Watson notes that P&W has had a presence in the Indian commercial sector since the 1940s.

“The Indian civil aviation and defense sectors are projected for significant growth and Pratt & Whitney is committed to partnering with India to grow aerospace capabilities in the country,” wrote Watson in an email. “Past, present, and future, we are proud of our presence in India.”